Get Andromeda in your sights

Make sure you're equipped for the very best views of our nearest spiral, also known as Messier 31

You’ll need: A dark observing site Our finder charts ✔ ✔ A pair of binoculars (optional) A small telescope (optional) ✔ ✔

1Get dark adapted

It’s important to let your eyes adapt properly. Messier 31’s light is spread over a wide area and any light pollution or moonlight will hide it from view.

2Find Cassiopeia

First find Cassiopeia, a W-shaped constellation high in the Northern Hemisphere sky. Then locate the upside-down ‘Y’ of Perseus directly by it.

3Use star hopping

Starting at Mirfak, the central star in Perseus, slowly ‘star hop’ two stars along to the right to Mirach in Andromeda.

4 Seek a smudge

Look for an elongated smudge of light a short distance from Mirach. This is Messier 31. Use averted vision if you don’t see it right away.

5Use binoculars

Use binoculars if you can’t see Messier 31 with just your eyes. You will see it as a distinct ovalshaped blur that’s grey-white in colour.

6Upgrade to a small telescope

Through a small telescope Messier 31 will look much brighter. You might even see one or both of its small satellite galaxies, Messier 32 and Messier 110.